Write & Grow with Skippy the Puppet: Prewriting Skills

“Parents, watch the fun Skippy video with your child. Download the ‘Write and Grow’ handouts and use the checklist to guide and check your child’s sitting posture.”

In this exercise, follow along with Skippy as he guides you through the process of picking up the pencil using your pointer finger and thumb, while letting it rest on your middle finger for pencil grasp. Feel free to pause the video at any time to review the technique. Make sure to have the worksheets prepared and ready so you can follow along with Skippy.

After Skippy will show you how to scribble in the circle.

Please have all materials ready prior to  starting this video

Material needed:

• pencil

• printable downloads

Vertical And Horizontal Lines

Please download and print the worksheets that accompany this video and have the listed writing tools for your child prior to starting the video. Have your child follow along with Skippy to complete the lesson. Don't forget to check the sitting posture prior to writing. Use the sitting posture check list from positioning video as a guide. Preparation is key to mastering writing skills.

Writing Tools:

Handwriting worksheets Pencils
Sharpener
Eraser

Homework/Discussion Vertical and Horizontal Lines

Teaching kids to trace vertical and horizontal lines involves providing clear examples and using visual cues to distinguish between the two types of lines. Offering appropriately sized tools and starting with guided tracing activities helps them get comfortable with the motion. Tactile materials like clay can enhance the learning experience, and turning tracing into a fun game can keep them engaged. As they progress, encourage freehand drawing and offer plenty of patience and positive reinforcement throughout the process.

Tracing shapes like a circle, cross, and square enhances a child's fine motor skills, aiding in tasks like writing and drawing.

Please download and print the worksheets that accompany this video. Have the worksheets and or tools in front of your child prior to starting the video. Setting up your child and having your child assist will help them in geting familar with the routine. Have your child follow along with Skippy while he traces. You can provide assistance as needed ie; providing hand over hand while tracing and providing verbal cues to stay on the line.

In this exercise follow along with Skippy while tracing diagonal lines, X's and triangles. Please download and print the worksheets that accompany this video. And have the listed worksheets and or tools in front of your child prior to starting the video. Setting up your child and having your child assist will help them in get familar with the routine. Have your child follow along with Skippy while he traces. Remember provide assistance as needed ie; providing hand over hand while tracing and providing verbal cues to stay on the line.

Homework/Discussion Diagonal Lines, X, and Triangle

Tips and Tricks:

When assisting a child with tracing diagonal lines, X, and triangles, begin by providing them with a comfortable writing tool and a clean, uncluttered surface. Encourage them to start at the top and guide them through the motions, emphasizing the direction of the lines and angles for each shape. Use visual aids or dotted outlines to offer a clear starting point. Other things to do make the activity engaging by incorporating colorful shapes and offering positive reinforcement for their efforts. Remember to be patient and allow the child to practice at their own pace, gradually progressing to more complex shapes as they gain confidence.

Skippy’s Congratulations Message

“Congratulations, Pre-Writing Superstar! You did an amazing job practicing your lines, curves, and shapes. All that hard work has made your hands stronger and your brain brighter.

Now you’re ready for the next adventure—learning to write letters and words. Skippy believes in you, and I know you can do it! Keep practicing, keep smiling, and remember, every mark you make brings you closer to being a confident writer.”